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Open Water Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

Diver

Buford, GA · On-site

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

Diver

Buford, GA · On-site

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

Diver

Buford, GA · On-site

Implements projects for diffusers, intakes, towers, and inspections all under water * Supervises ... All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. Garney and its subsidiaries are committed ...

CARPENTER-DIVER

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

As a construction diver, you are expected to be able to perform a number of different tasks. Much ... Open Water Dive Certification Preferred Qualifications: • Good Attitude • Ability to follow ...

Diver / Tenders / Top Side Support * Performing safe and efficient diving duties in south Florida ... Advanced open water SCUBA certification * Nitrox certification * Medically cleared to dive to up to ...

Showing results 21-40

Open Water Diver information

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$11

$23

$44

How much do open water diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for open water diver in the United States is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an open water diver?

To become an open water diver, you must complete a certified training course that includes classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. The course covers diving skills, safety procedures, and equipment use, culminating in obtaining an open water diver certification from a recognized agency. Physical fitness and a medical clearance are also typically required before certification.

What are the typical working conditions and environments for open water divers?

Open Water Divers often work in a variety of settings, including oceans, lakes, rivers, or sometimes specially designed training pools, and may encounter a range of weather and water conditions. Shifts can vary with some roles requiring early morning starts, extended hours, or travel to remote locations depending on the nature of the dive assignment. Teamwork is crucial, as divers commonly work in pairs or groups and rely heavily on clear communication and coordination for safety and efficiency. Depending on your employer and area of specialization, daily tasks might include underwater inspections, survey work, marine research, or leading recreational divers. A commitment to following established safety procedures and a readiness to continuously update one's skills are essential parts of the job.

How much money do open water divers make?

Open Water Divers typically do not earn a salary solely from their certification; income depends on the specific job, such as dive instructor, guide, or commercial diver. Salaries for professional divers can range from around $30,000 to over $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an open water diver?

To thrive as an Open Water Diver, you need strong swimming abilities, underwater navigation skills, knowledge of dive physics and physiology, and completion of an accredited open water diving certification such as those offered by PADI or NAUI. Divers routinely use technical equipment including scuba gear, dive computers, underwater communication devices, and safety apparatus. Attention to detail, teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure both personal safety and the successful completion of underwater tasks or research assignments.

How to become an open water diver?

To become an open water diver, you must complete a certification course through a recognized agency, which includes classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. The course covers diving skills, safety procedures, and equipment use, and typically requires a minimum age and good health. After certification, divers can rent or purchase equipment and explore open water environments under supervision or independently.

What is an open water diver?

An Open Water Diver is a certified individual trained to safely explore underwater environments using scuba gear. They typically work in recreational diving, marine research, underwater photography, or dive tourism. Their responsibilities include following safety protocols, maintaining diving equipment, and ensuring proper buoyancy control. Certification is usually obtained through organizations like PADI or SSI, allowing divers to operate independently within depth limits.

What are the most commonly searched types of Open Water Diver jobs? The most popular types of Open Water Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Open Water Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Open Water Diver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Open Water Diver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Open Water Diver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Open Water Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Survey Technician

NV5

South Lake Tahoe, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

Marine Taxonomic Services, Ltd. (MTS - an NV5 company) is an environmental consulting firm committed to providing innovative solutions for the management and protection of natural resources. MTS has offices in San Diego, CA; Corvallis, OR; and South Lake Tahoe, CA. We have curated a team of curious, self-motivated, and committed individuals who seek to make an impact on our immediate communities as well as contribute to the health of the planet.

Our Mission

To embody a purposeful, values-centered company whose success is built on

  • the success of its employees
  • the ability to make an impact in the communities we serve
  • and the goal to leave a legacy of improving the world we live in so future generations can live healthier, happier lives

Our People

We work hard.

We play hard.

We strive for the highest level of performance.

We learn through adversity.

We acknowledge excellence.

We are human.

Viable candidates will have all their own dive gear (BCD; regulator, secondary regulator, depth gauge, and pressure gauge; dive fins; mask; 7mm wetsuit/drysuit; 5mm hood; 5mm booties; 3mm gloves, and dive weights); experience working as a diver in altitude and cold water; and be available in San Diego, CA and/or South Lake Tahoe, CA.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • The successful Survey Technician will understand how to implement field and lab tasks with minimal supervision, ensuring that timelines and budgets are met in the most efficient way possible.
  • Diving and topside support for various projects throughout San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, including working in poor visibility.
  • Organization, loading and unloading of equipment and supplies necessary for field work projects.
  • All responsibilities done in partnership with, and under the direction of, a Project Manager
  • Lab work on benthic infauna samples (sorting and identification, QA/QC tasks, data entry, maintenance of chain of custody for received samples, laboratory equipment inventory)
  • Understands how to implement field work tasks performing marine biological assessments, including ability to drive a boat and trailer on field work assignments, and the ability to pull together all equipment needs, all with minimal supervision
  • Clean and maintain equipment such that projects can be mobilized efficiently and carried out safely
  • Responsible for accurate and thorough data management, data analysis and/or minor report generation with Project Management oversight
  • Responsible for meeting deadlines in an efficient manner
  • Takes initiative to find the most effective processes to accomplish tasks
  • Other duties in support of projects, as assigned

Professional Requirements and Certifications

REQUIRED

  • Open Water Diver certification
  • DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage
  • Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds)
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water conditions, and work extended hours. This is a physically demanding and mentally taxing project in the outdoors. Field work can, at times, be tedious.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

PREFERRED

  • Advanced SCUBA certifications: Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster
  • CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Motorized boating experience and/or boater’s safety course
  • Use of remote mapping software
  • Boat, dive gear, and small engine maintenance
  • Familiarity with aquatic invasive plant control efforts in Southern California and the Lake Tahoe Basin.
  • Experience with California marine species
  • Caulerpa prolifera certified
  • Minimum of Bachelor's Degree or 5+ work experience in related field
  • 2+ years SCUBA diving experience

The pay range for this California position is $25 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US